UCL Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science

Guest speaker Helen Jury (UCL Arts and Sciences) presented in the recent session about the handling of objects and materials in Art Psychotherapy as a distinctive psychotherapeutic intervention.

Richard Blair, son of author Eric Blair, better known as George Orwell, has been a committed guardian of Orwell’s public legacy, working with UCL Special Collections to preserve and promote his father’s collection. Read more here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/about/search-faces-ucl/safeguarding-literary-legacy-richard-blair-ucl-partner-and-founding-patron-orwell-society

The recent ‘Transparent Journeys along the Silk Roads’ conference focused on the vital role of glass as an indicator of exchange, trade and movement along the Silk Roads. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology hosted sessions handling early Egyptian glass.

The Research Institute for Collections Annual Showcase recently showed research using a variety of UCL collections. Guests were able to find out how using collections can enhance their research and potential projects.

Interested in finding out about collections? Join us at the upcoming Research Institute for Collections Annual Showcase on 14 May. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/research-institute-for-collections-annual-showcase-2026-tickets-1987599580851

Congratulations and good luck to our colleagues who have been nominated at the upcoming annual Education Awards on 10 June. The event recognises and celebrates the achievements of staff and students, and their contributions to the UCL community.

Announcing the 2026 Education Awards shortlist Here we celebrate staff who make outstanding contributions to the learning experience and success of our students. Winners to be announced at a ceremony on 10 June.

We are excited to learn that this film by The Royal Society, featuring the Kathleen Lonsdale archives in UCL Special Collections, was recently nominated for a Webby Award by the Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Watch the video here:

The ethical science of Kathleen Lonsdale | The Royal Society Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell FRS join forces to uncover the life and legacy of Kathleen Lonsdale, who spent her career delving dee...

Today, our library collection is made up of two million print books alone, inspiring research, teaching and creative endeavour. Sarah Pipkin, Outreach and Exhibitions Coordinator for UCL Special Collections, discusses her work to shine a light on 200 years of collecting at UCL. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/news/2026/apr/interview-innovative-collecting-ucl

We would like to wish you all a good Easter Break. Find out more about access to our venues and library services here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/news/2026/mar/library-services-and-lccos-venues-during-easter-break-2026